Guwahati, August 02, 2023: The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) in Meghalaya held a meeting with the education minister Rakkam Sangma on Tuesday to express their apprehensions regarding the North East Hill University’s (NEHU) decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) in the current academic year.

Earlier today, the HYC also had a discussion with the NEHU vice chancellor to address various issues. According to HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin, there has been considerable confusion surrounding the implementation of NEP. While some parties support moving forward with it, others believe that Meghalaya is not adequately prepared to tackle the numerous challenges that come with the NEP.

Kharjahrin emphasized that this confusion is a significant concern for the public, questioning whether there are sufficient resources and human capital to support the implementation. He also raised doubts about whether NEHU can unilaterally decide to implement NEP without the approval of the Academic Council. According to Kharjahrin, NEP being a policy, it should require the approval of the academic council rather than a decision made solely by the executive council of NEHU.

In light of these concerns, the HYC demanded an immediate council meeting, viewing it as the most suitable authority to decide the future course for the students. The vice chancellor has assured them that he will convene a meeting with the teachers. However, when it comes to the academic council, he needs time to discuss the matter with his colleagues before making a decision.

The education minister, Rakkam Sangma, acknowledged the validity of HYC’s concerns. He stated that their concerns were in line with his own views. Specifically, they raised doubts about NEHU’s plan to implement NEP in a hybrid mode, and the minister expressed understanding towards this issue.

Moving forward, the education minister assured the HYC that he will intervene in the matter and organize a council meeting. During this meeting, the NEHU vice chancellor will be present, and they will collectively address the concerns raised by the HYC regarding the implementation of NEP.